buttress

Advancedzipf 2.67

Pronunciation

/ˈbʌtrəs/(BUT-rus)

Part of speech

noun / verbformal

Chinese

(n) 扶壁；支撑物 (v) 支持；加强

Definition

(n) A structure that supports a wall. (v) To support or strengthen an argument, system, or structure.

Word family

  • buttressed/ˈbʌtrəst/(adj)被支持的

Collocations

  • buttress an argument
  • buttress a claim
  • buttress support
  • flying buttress

Examples

  1. 1.New research buttresses the theory that diet affects mental health. (supports with evidence)
  2. 2.The cathedral's famous flying buttresses distribute the weight of the walls. (architectural)

Synonyms

  • reinforce/ˌriːɪnˈfɔːs/— make stronger
  • bolster/ˈbəʊlstə/— prop up
  • underpin/ˌʌndəˈpɪn/— provide a foundation

Etymology

from Old French "bouterez" = thrusting structure — "bouter" = to push — a structure that pushes back against collapse